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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


September 2020 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

  • Slovakia adds Taiwan to safe countries for COVID-19 CNA 30 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan has been included on Slovakia's list of countries considered safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that from Thursday, Taiwanese people who visit the country are not required to self-isolate or undergo mandatory screening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Wednesday.
  • French national tests COVID-19 positive after quarantine release CNA 30 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan confirmed a new case of COVID-19 Wednesday when a French national who recently arrived in the country to work tested positive after he was released from mandatory quarantine, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
  • Taiwan military mulls increasing frequency of reservist call-ups CNA 30 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's military is considering increasing the frequency of calling up reservists to beef up the combat readiness of the country's reserve forces, a source told CNA on Wednesday.
  • Seeking 'independence' via 'constitutional amendment' will get Taiwan secessionists burned: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 30 Sep 2020 -- A small group of Taiwan secessionists shouldn't underestimate Beijing's resolution in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and should not go further in the evil road of seeking independence through "constitutional amendments," the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said Wednesday at a regular press conference.
  • No signs of China set to launch war against Taiwan: defense chief CNA 29 Sep 2020 -- There are currently no signs indicating that China is preparing to launch an imminent large-scale invasion of Taiwan, the country's defense chief said Tuesday.
  • Taiwan investigating collision in disputed waters: Premier Su CNA 29 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's government is currently investigating an incident two days ago in which a Taiwanese fishing vessel was allegedly rammed by a Japanese coastguard ship in contested waters, Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said Tuesday.
  • Three new imported cases of COVID-19 reported in Taiwan CNA 28 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan reported three new imported cases of COVID-19 on Monday, two of them involving Philippine nationals and one involving a Taiwanese man returning from Indonesia, raising the total number of infections to 513 since the outbreak began.
  • DPP 'self-deceiving' in seeking secessionist presence of Taiwan in intl organizations Global Times 28 Sep 2020 -- The separatist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan protested against an international organization that listed the island in "China," and urged a separate category of Chinese Taipei, but analysts noted such self-deception will not change the fact that it is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
  • Taiwan will not import COVID-19 vaccines made in China: minister CNA 27 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan will not import COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in China due to a longstanding policy against importing China-made vaccines and other biological products, Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) reiterated Sunday.
  • Taiwan fishing boat collides with Japanese ship near Diaoyutais CNA 27 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese fishing boat collided with a Japanese government vessel in waters 12 nautical miles west of the disputed Diaoyutai Islands, with no reports of injuries, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement.
  • Taiwan is China's next 'target' after Hong Kong: foreign minister CNA 27 Sep 2020 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) will warn in a briefing at the Legislative Yuan on Monday that China's next "target" after Hong Kong is Taiwan as Beijing looks for scapegoats in facing internal and external crises.
  • PLA conducts recon on both sides of Taiwan to gather intel for real combat: experts Global Times 27 Sep 2020 -- During its real combat-oriented exercises and combat-readiness patrols in the Taiwan Straits since last week, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted intensive aerial and maritime reconnaissance missions of the island of Taiwan from both its west and east, with the number of operations surpassing that of fighter jets and bombers.
  • Taiwan office in France confirms two new COVID-19 cases CNA 26 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's representative office in France reported two new cases of COVID-19 among its employees, bringing the total to four following individual cases in April and August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Saturday.
  • Tsai visits Kaohsiung military bases to show support for troops CNA 26 Sep 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) toured several military bases in Kaohsiung on Saturday to thank the men and women in uniform for their contributions to safeguarding the country and helping protect freedom and democracy.
  • Tuvalu, Eswatini call for Taiwan's readmission to U.N. CNA 26 Sep 2020 -- Leaders of Taiwan's diplomatic allies continued to voice support for Taiwan's international participation on the fourth day of an annual U.N. debate, citing Taiwan's humanitarian assistance in the global COVID-19 response.
  • Chinese spy ship leaves waters near Taiwan after 9-day stay CNA 26 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese spy ship, which had remained in waters off Taiwan's east coast for more than a week, sailed away from the area Saturday morning after Taiwan's Navy sent a ship to monitor its activity.
  • PLA's J-20 stealth fighter deployment near Taiwan stokes fear, delivers warning to separatists Global Times 26 Sep 2020 -- A J-20 stealth fighter jet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was reportedly spotted soaring through the skies above an East China city only 500 kilometers away from the island of Taiwan, sparking fear on the island and delivering a powerful warning to Taiwan separatists and the US, as the island's media reported on Saturday that Taiwan warplanes were only minutes away from the J-20's kill range if it flew toward the island.
  • Chinese Taipei's participation in APEC meeting must comply with relevant MOU, customary practice: spokesperson People's Daily 26 Sep 2020 -- Chinese Taipei must comply with relevant Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) memorandum of understanding and customary practice if it is to send a delegation to the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting no matter what form the meeting may take, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.
  • Health minister reveals Taiwan has signed up to COVAX CNA 25 Sep 2020 -- Answering questions at the Legislature Friday, Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) revealed that Taiwan signed up to the COVAX global vaccine allocation plan last week and expects to pay its deposit to the organization next month.
  • Taiwan reports new imported case of COVID-19 CNA 25 Sep 2020 -- A Philippine national who entered Taiwan two weeks ago has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Friday the disease was contracted before the person arrived in Taiwan.
  • Chinese ship lingering off east coast as Taiwan holds missile tests CNA 25 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese intelligence vessel remains deployed in waters off Taiwan's eastern coast as Taiwan hold missile tests in the area.
  • Haiti, Nauru speak up for Taiwan in U.N. debate CNA 25 Sep 2020 -- The leaders of Haiti and Nauru on Thursday thanked Taiwan for its assistance in fighting COVID-19 and voiced general support for Taiwan on the third day of the general debate of the 75th U.N. General Assembly.
  • PLA maneuvers in region driven by internal politics: scholars CNA 25 Sep 2020 -- China has been intensifying its military maneuvers in the region, including sending warplanes over the median line of the Taiwan Strait, because of political pressures being faced by the country's leadership, scholars argued Thursday.
  • Taiwan's high-profile missile tests no threat to PLA: experts Global Times 25 Sep 2020 -- The island of Taiwan's Hsiung Feng II E supersonic anti-ship missiles and its enhanced Sky Bow III surface-to-air missiles were likely at the center of a reported high-profile missile launch test on Thursday, defense experts said, adding that the weapons pose no real threat to People's Liberation Army's (PLA) ballistic missiles.
  • China will do what 'it takes' to halt secession PLA Daily 25 Sep 2020 -- China will do "whatever it takes" to thwart any effort aimed at Taiwan seceding from China, Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday.
  • Senator urges U.S. to boost Taiwan's defense against Chinese invasion CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- The United States should help Taiwan boost its own defense capability to prevent China from launching an invasion, Senator Marco Rubio said Wednesday amid rising military coercion from Beijing toward Taipei.
  • Diplomatic allies voice support for Taiwan in U.N. debate CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- Leaders of Taiwan's diplomatic allies voiced support for Taiwan's participation in special agencies under the United Nations on Wednesday during the second day of the general debate of the 75th U.N. General Assembly.
  • Chinese warplane again intrudes into Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese military Y-8 anti-submarine airplane entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, the seventh intrusion since Sept. 16, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
  • Military flyby rehearsal staged over Taipei CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- A large number of helicopters and fighter jets, including F-16Vs, flew over Taipei as part of a rehearsal for the National Day Parade flyby on Thursday.
  • Taiwan not seeking formal ties with U.S. at present: foreign minister CNA 24 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) told American media on Sunday that the country is not presently seeking formal ties with the U.S., despite a recent significant improvement in relations between the two sides.
  • Returning US forces to Taiwan will 'trigger reunification-by-force operation' Global Times 24 Sep 2020 -- Amid ongoing large-scale exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Straits targeting foreign interventions and Taiwan secessionists, an article recently published in a US military journal urged the US to consider returning US forces to the island, a move that would break the Three Joint Communiqués between China and the US that stipulated all US forces and military installations withdrawn from the Chinese island.
  • PLA aircraft's moves target "Taiwan independence" secessionists: Spokesperson PLA Daily 24 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the PLA will resolutely defeat the "Taiwan independence" forces attempting to separate Taiwan from China, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a regular press conference in Beijing on September 24.
  • Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen Among Time Magazine's 100 Influential People Radio Free Asia 23 Sep 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen of of Taiwan has been named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of 2020 for her insistence that the democratic island's 23 million people have no interest in being ruled by China.
  • Photo: Taiwan Has Cruise Missiles Capable of Reaching China Stationed at Base in Straits Sputnik 23 Sep 2020 -- A recent news report from Taiwan's Makung Air Force Base in the Taiwan Strait revealed Taiwan's air force has stationed air-to-ground cruise missiles within striking distance of the Chinese mainland.
  • Taiwan to end COVID-19 tests on Philippine arrivals with no symptoms CNA 23 Sep 2020 -- The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has decided to suspend the COVID-19 testing of all travelers arriving from the Philippines, except for those with symptoms, beginning Thursday, but said it will require all travelers from the Philippines be tested before their mandatory 14-day quarantine period ends.
  • 18 Filipinos, 1 Japanese confirmed with COVID-19 after leaving Taiwan CNA 23 Sep 2020 -- Nineteen people -- 18 Filipinos and one Japanese -- tested positive for COVID-19 after leaving Taiwan recently, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday, adding that it could not establish that they had been infected in Taiwan.
  • Taiwan island, US fabricate a ‘median line,' sign of weakness: experts Global Times 23 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's psychological defenses have been breached after the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the so-called "median line" of the Taiwan Straits is non-existent, Chinese mainland observers said on Wednesday, warning that a military conflict is inevitable if Taiwan secessionists insist on that line.
  • Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan's ADIZ for 5th time in 6 days CNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Two Chinese military Y-8 anti-submarine airplanes entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the Air Force Command Headquarters said, the fifth intrusion of its kind in six days since Sept. 17.
  • Taiwan conducts joint air defense drill against Chinese invasion CNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's military conducted a joint air defense drill on Tuesday simulating a response to an enemy air attack, involving all of Taiwan's air bases, as well as naval and surface-to-air missile units, according to the Military News Agency.
  • President Tsai pledges to defend Taiwan's airspace CNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan will not allow others to display military might in its territorial airspace, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) pledged Tuesday while touring an Air Force fighter squadron in Penghu that sits on the front lines of the country's air defenses.
  • China may be using Zhenhua database to target, exploit Taiwanese: scholar CNA 22 Sep 2020 -- There is a possibility that China is using information from a massive database of influential figures to identify individuals and institutions in Taiwan that could be exploited, according to American researcher Christopher Balding.
  • Taiwan slams China's denial of median line as breaking status quo CNA 22 Sep 2020 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) blasted Beijing on Tuesday for breaking the status quo after it claimed that the median line of the Taiwan Strait does not exist.
  • China warns US on recent Taiwan moves People's Daily 22 Sep 2020 -- China vowed to take legitimate countermeasures against political provocations by the United States, including measures targeting relevant individuals, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
  • Cases of COVID-19-positive Filipinos from Taiwan remain a mystery CNA 21 Sep 2020 -- The Philippines has not offered details on the cases of six migrant workers who tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving there from Taiwan, as the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) remains skeptical about whether they in fact had the disease.
  • Two new imported COVID-19 cases reported in Taiwan CNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Two Taiwanese nationals who had been working in Southeast Asia recently tested positive for COVID-19 following their return to Taiwan last week, raising the total number to 509, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Monday.
  • Taiwan has enough missiles to defend itself at present: MND CNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan has enough long-range precision missiles to defend itself against a possible attack from China, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Monday, rebutting reports that drills found Taiwan's missile supply to be inadequate.
  • Taiwan Air Force Training Pilots to Avoid Escalation With Chinese Warplanes, Reports Suggest Sputnik 21 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence is training its fighter pilots to engage and respond to any possible fire from Chinese warplanes as tensions escalate between the two, a ministerial source told Taiwan News.
  • Increased China Warplane Activity Unnerves Taiwan VOA 21 Sep 2020 -- The increasing number of air force incursions from China is starting to fray nerves among ordinary Taiwanese, who wonder if their heavily armed political rival finally plans to attack after decades of threats, polls and analysts say.
  • Taiwan's economy, trade break-off from mainland a dream: experts Global Times 21 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese foreign ministry said China will take legitimate countermeasures, including targeting individuals, after US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach ended his visit to the island of Taiwan, adding that the US must bear full responsibility for violating the one-China principle.
  • China vows countermeasures after US Undersecretary of State visited Taiwan Global Times 21 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese foreign ministry said China will take legitimate countermeasures, including targeting relative individuals, after US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach completed his visit to the island of Taiwan on Sunday, adding that the US must bear full responsibility for the outcome.
  • China vows retaliation against US diplomatic visits to Taiwan, slams support for island's independence Press TV 21 Sep 2020 -- China has condemned a recent visit by a senior US official to Taiwan as a “political provocation,” saying any support for the self-ruled island’s independence is "doomed to fail."
  • PLA minesweepers to break Taiwan sea mines threat Global Times 21 Sep 2020 -- Multiple minesweeper flotillas attached to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command and Eastern Theater Command recently held live-fire exercises, honing their capability to effectively and rapidly clear sea lanes from mines, and open passages for other warships and landing forces, amid Taiwan secessionists' attempt to surround the Taiwan Straits with mines.
  • One new imported COVID-19 case brings total in Taiwan to 507 CNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan recorded one new imported case of COVID-19 infection on Sunday, bringing its total number to 507 since the first one was recorded on Jan. 21, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
  • Taiwan will 'fire back' if attacked by China: military source CNA 20 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan will not make any provocative moves but will return fire if Chinese forces attack, a military source said Sunday, amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait due to China's recent incursions into Taiwan airspace.
  • Cross-Straits exchanges continue amid rising tensions Global Times 20 Sep 2020 -- The ongoing Straits Forum held in the Chinese mainland for cross-Straits people-to-people exchanges showed that the mainland is handling the complicated situation with "two hands" - supporting exchanges and cooperation to serve the concrete benefits of Taiwan compatriots, and increasing military pressure to deter Taiwan separatism and the Trump administration which is increasingly throwing its weight on the Taiwan question, experts said on Sunday.
  • PLA warplanes featured in drills in Taiwan Straits ‘capable of seizing air superiority and command of sea’ Global Times 20 Sep 2020 -- In two consecutive days of military drills in the Taiwan Straits on Friday and Saturday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly conducted nearly 40 sorties featuring four major types of warplanes - air superiority fighters, multirole fighters, bombers and an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, which Chinese mainland analysts said on Sunday are capable of seizing air superiority and command of the sea over the island of Taiwan and in the Straits.
  • Contacts of 6 COVID-19 patients who traveled from Taiwan test negative CNA 19 Sep 2020 -- The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Saturday that it has found no COVID-19 infections in Taiwan among the 122 contacts of six Filipinos who tested positive for the disease after departing Taiwan in recent weeks.
  • Taiwan confirms 3 new imported cases of COVID-19 CNA 19 Sep 2020 -- Three people who entered Taiwan recently have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Saturday.
  • U.S. senator introduces bill to protect Taiwan from China's aggression CNA 19 Sep 2020 -- United States Republican Senator Rick Scott has introduced a bill to deter the use of force by China against Taiwan.
  • Fleet of 19 Chinese warplanes flies near Taiwan in pincer formation CNA 19 Sep 2020 -- A fleet of 19 military aircraft from China flew into Taiwan's airspace in a pincer formation Saturday morning, marking the second consecutive day of such an incursion, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
  • Pentagon official slams incursions by Chinese jets CNA 19 Sep 2020 -- The intrusions by 18 Chinese warplanes into Taiwan's airspace on Friday are another example of how the country is increasingly using its military as a tool of coercion against Taiwan, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense has said.
  • PLA Navy conducts more drills as US envoy continues Taiwan visit Global Times 19 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration issued two navigation alerts on Friday for military drilling activities in the country’s northern Bohai Sea, a day after the US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach's arrival in the island of Taiwan, which observers said is a clear warning to the US’ Trump government as it is trying to escalate tensions between the Taiwan Straits.
  • Taiwan scrambles warplanes as China holds aerial drills nearby Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's air force has scrambled its jet fighters for a second consecutive day as numerous Chinese warplanes crossed the sensitive midline of the Taiwan Strait, with Taipei’s officials urging Beijing to "pull back from the edge."
  • Taipei Scrambles Fighters to Monitor Chinese Jets That 'Crossed Mid Line of Taiwan Strait' Sputnik 18 Sep 2020 -- Earlier this day, Beijing stated that it is conducting military exercises near the Taiwan Strait, citing the need to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • China Reportedly Carrying Out Military Exercises Near the Taiwan Strait Sputnik 18 Sep 2020 -- The report came amid the planned visit of US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment Keith Krach to Taiwan, despite Beijing's objections.
  • China Sends Warplanes Over Taiwan as US Envoy Visits VOA 18 Sep 2020 -- China sent almost 20 warplanes into Taiwan's airspace in an unusually large show of force as a response to a senior U.S. official's visit to the self-governing island.
  • China warplanes keep pressure on Taiwan amid U.S. official's visit CNA 18 Sep 2020 -- Multiple Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) Friday as an American official was visiting, according to Taiwan's Air Force.
  • PLA starts real combat-oriented drills in Taiwan Straits amid Krach's visit, approaches island from four directions Global Times 18 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is holding joint maritime and aerial exercises and combat-readiness patrols in the Taiwan Straits starting Friday, as media on the Taiwan island reported concentrated PLA warplane activities near the island's "airspace" in four directions around the island on Friday morning. The news comes against the backdrop of US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach's visit to the island of Taiwan where he is reportedly set to attend the memorial service of former Taiwan regional leader Lee Teng-hui, known as the "Godfather of Taiwan secessionism."
  • Military analysts predict PLA maneuvers in potential Taiwan takeover Global Times 18 Sep 2020 -- Amid US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach's visit to the island of Taiwan, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is holding joint maritime and aerial exercises and combat-readiness patrols in the Taiwan Straits starting Friday, as media on the Taiwan island reported concentrated PLA warplane activities near the island's "airspace" in four directions around the island on Friday morning.
  • Chinese military conducts exercise near Taiwan Strait: spokesperson People's Daily 18 Sep 2020 -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Friday announced a real-combat military exercise of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait.
  • PLA conducts combat-ready patrols and exercises in Taiwan Straits PLA Daily 18 Sep 2020 -- Recently, the naval and air forces assigned to the Eastern Theater Command (ETC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) conductedthe combat-ready patrols and joint air-sea exercises in the Taiwan Straits to test the joint operations capability of multiservices and arms, said Air Force Senior Colonel Zhang Chunhui, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement on Friday morning.
  • China kicks off another military drill as US envoy visits Taiwan Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- China has launched military drills near the Taiwan Strait as a senior US official is visiting the self-ruled island in Washington's latest move to bolster its support of the island in defiance of Beijing.
  • President Tsai describes U.S. official's visit as 'milestone' CNA 18 Sep 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (???) on Friday described American Under Secretary of State Keith Krach's visit to Taiwan as a "milestone for a deepened Taiwan-U.S. relationship" during a banquet she hosted for Krach and his delegation, who are in Taiwan for a three-day visit.
  • U.S. envoy holds closed-door economic meeting in Taiwan CNA 18 Sep 2020 -- American Under Secretary of State Keith Krach met Taiwanese Cabinet officials on Friday in Taipei in a closed-door economic meeting.
  • U.S. Rep. calls for scrapping 'one China' policy, resuming ties with Taiwan CNA 18 Sep 2020 -- A U.S. congressman on Thursday announced that he has introduced legislation urging the government to re-establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan and to end its "outdated and counter-productive 'One China policy.'"
  • Taiwan urges restraint in wake of China's provocations CNA 18 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan on Friday called on China to exercise self-restraint, saying that the country's provocative military activities around Taiwan only further tarnish its international image.
  • US Congress Prepares to Approve Second-Largest Taiwan Arms Sale Valued at $7 Billion Sputnik 18 Sep 2020 -- US lawmakers are expected to soon approve a massive, new weapons sale to Taiwan. The deal would provide the autonomous island not just with defensive weapons, but also with offensive capabilities in the form of long-range strike missiles and combat drones.
  • Taiwan researchers develop rapid test kit for COVID-19 CNA 17 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese research team said Thursday that it has developed a COVID-19 test kit that can deliver results in about 15 minutes with 80-90 percent accuracy.
  • Taiwan reports three new imported cases of COVID-19 CNA 17 Sep 2020 -- Three Taiwanese nationals who work overseas -- in Myanmar, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, respectively -- have tested positive for COVID-19 following their recent return to Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Thursday.
  • Taiwan's hopes for US visit 'wishful thinking', to get nothing Global Times 18 Sep 2020 -- US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach's visit to Taiwan can infuriate the Chinese mainland, and he avoided touching on the trade and investment agreement with the island, which can benefit the people of the island, said experts, noting that the US is just making use of rather than helping Taiwan.
  • MND website makes Chinese military intrusions public CNA 17 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's military on Thursday opened a section on its website in which it makes public the latest movements of the Chinese military near Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), in a move to keep the public better informed about China's military maneuvers.
  • US sale of weapons systems to Taiwan island is media speculation: Taiwan authorities Global Times 17 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwan "defense authorities" said on Wednesday that media reports of US plans to sell seven major weapons systems to the island were merely speculation by local media, huanqiu.com reported on Thursday.
  • U.S. Under Secretary of State Krach arrives in Taipei on 3-day visit CNA 17 Sep 2020 -- American Under Secretary of State Keith Krach arrived in Taipei on Thursday afternoon on a three-day visit to attend a memorial service for former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝).
  • US State Department Official Lands in Taiwan Ahead of Memorial Service Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach arrived in Taiwan on Thursday, at the start of a three-day trip that will see him attend a memorial service for the island's first directly elected leader.
  • China files formal complaint with US over senior official visiting Taiwan Press TV 17 Sep 2020 -- China says it has filed a formal complaint with the United States over a visit by US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach to Taiwan, the highest-ranking State Department official to visit Taipei in four decades, in open defiance of China, which has sovereignty over the island.
  • China strongly opposes official contact between US, Taiwan: spokesperson Global Times 17 Sep 2020 -- China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, and has lodged solemn representations with the United States over the upcoming visit of US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach to Taiwan, said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Thursday.
  • U.S. announces Taiwan visit of ranking state department official CNA 17 Sep 2020 -- United States Under Secretary of State Keith Krach will travel to Taiwan to attend the memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) on Sept. 19, the U.S. State Department announced Wednesday.
  • Defense Ministry dismisses 'speculation' about new U.S. arms sales CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday that a foreign news report about the United States planning to sell seven major weapons systems to Taiwan was nothing more than "media speculation."
  • Taiwan reports new imported case of COVID-19 from the Philippines CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- A Philippine woman was diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 500, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
  • Taiwan businesses help Saint Lucia deal with COVID-19 fallout CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Two Taiwanese businesses Wednesday threw their weight behind Saint Lucia's efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout by making donations and calling for the general public to show their support for the Caribbean ally.
  • Six Filipinos test positive for COVID-19 after leaving Taiwan CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Six Philippine nationals who left Taiwan in recent weeks have tested positive for COVID-19 on arriving in their home country, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday.
  • Third marine dies from injuries sustained in July drill CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- A Marine sergeant who was seriously injured after falling overboard during a military drill in July passed away on Wednesday after being hospitalized for two months, according to the Navy.
  • Krach's visit to Taiwan should be punished: expert Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday urged the US to stop official exchanges with the island of Taiwan, because the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and not open to interference from foreign forces, as the US is planning to send US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach to Taiwan this week for "economic talks" with the authority of the island.
  • Under Secretary Keith Krach's Travel to Taiwan US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020 -- Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach will travel to Taiwan to attend the memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui on September 19, 2020.
  • Somaliland's legislature supports Taiwan Relations Act: envoy CNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Somaliland's legislature has endorsed the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), an American law that governs the United States' unofficial ties with Taiwan, according to the Somaliland representative to Taipei Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud.
  • Vatican says its accord with China will not affect Taiwan ties: MOFA CNA 15 Sep 2020 -- The Vatican had given the assurance that its extension of an accord with China on the appointment of Catholic bishops will not affect its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
  • Mutual goodwill, equal footing key to China exchanges: KMT chair CNA 15 Sep 2020 -- Cross-Taiwan Strait exchanges should be based on mutual respect and held on an equal footing, the head of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) said Tuesday, a day after his party pulled out of a forum in China because of what it saw as a demeaning remark by a Chinese commentator.
  • Woman from the Philippines tests positive for COVID-19: CECC CNA 14 Sep 2020 -- A woman from the Philippines who arrived in Taiwan recently was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 499, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
  • Taiwan Aims to Help Foreign Air Forces Fix F-16 Fighter Jets, a Stab at China VOA 14 Sep 2020 -- A new Taiwanese maintenance center for F-16 fighter jets hopes to service the American-made aircraft belonging to multiple countries, a goal that would outrage China and shake up Asian military diplomacy if realized, experts say.
  • Computer-aided war games section of Han Kuang drill begins CNA 14 Sep 2020 -- The computer-aided war games section of this year's Han Kuang military exercises officially kicked off Monday after being postponed for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • KMT pulls out of cross-strait forum over Chinese TV comment CNA 14 Sep 2020 -- The Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, announced on Monday that it will not send an official delegation to an annual cross-Taiwan Strait forum this year due to inappropriate comments by a Chinese state-owned broadcaster.
  • KMT cancels delegation to Straits Forum Global Times 14 Sep 2020 -- The Kuomintang (KMT), an opposition party in the island of Taiwan, announced on Monday that it will not send a delegation to attend the Straits Forum that is scheduled to be held in Xiamen, Fujian Province, because it felt "insulted" after a mainland TV news program said the KMT is asking the mainland for peace amid the intense cross-Straits situation.
  • Legislature decides to set up constitutional amendment committee CNA 14 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's Legislature decided Monday to set up an ad hoc committee tasked with revising the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan), based on a consensus reached by ruling and opposition parties.
  • PLA launches more than 30 sea drills amid US, Taiwan exercises Global Times 14 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced new maritime exercises in the Yellow Sea on Monday, the dayas the US launched the Valiant Shield exercises around Guam, and the island of Taiwan started the computer-aided war games phase of the Han Kuang drills, with media saying both the US and Taiwan drills are aimed at the PLA.
  • 'National dignity' most important consideration: presidential office CNA 13 Sep 2020 -- There is nothing more important than defending national dignity, a Presidential Office spokesman said Sunday, urging the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to reconsider whether to attend a forum in China later this month.
  • KMT mulls cross-strait forum boycott over 'sue for peace' comment CNA 12 Sep 2020 -- The Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, is considering boycotting an annual cross-Taiwan Strait forum should a Chinese state-owned broadcaster refuse to apologize over its "sue for peace" headline.
  • Taiwan to join COVAX to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines CNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan will sign up to the COVAX global vaccine allocation plan to ensure the country has access to a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes readily available, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) said Saturday.
  • Taiwan disproves 'health or economy' COVID-19 argument: study CNA 12 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan is one of several countries that clearly disproves the argument that governments must choose between protecting people's health and protecting the economy in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research from Oxford University.
  • Chinese media draws KMT protest over 'suing-for-peace' allegation CNA 11 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on Friday denounced the Chinese state-owned broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) for tagging a planned visit to China for a cross-Taiwan Strait forum later this month as a move to "sue for peace" amid the tense standoff in the strait.
  • Taiwan reports 2 imported cases of COVID-19 from the Philippines CNA 11 Sep 2020 -- A Philippine national and a Taiwanese man were diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus on Friday, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 498, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
  • China should not underestimate Taiwan's will to defend itself: Tsai CNA 11 Sep 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday warned China not to underestimate Taiwan's will to defend itself and the determination of the Taiwanese people to safeguard their free and democratic way of life.
  • Chinese spy ship spotted off Taiwan's east coast for two days CNA 11 Sep 2020 -- A reconnaissance vessel of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been spotted off Taiwan's east coast over the past two days during a Taiwanese missile testing exercise, a military source said Friday.
  • Another Taiwanese manufacturer accused of selling counterfeit masks CNA 10 Sep 2020 -- A manufacturer on the "National Face Mask Team" was detained and questioned by prosecutors Wednesday, on suspicion of importing some 10 million non-medical grade masks from China and labeling them as Taiwan-made.
  • Taiwanese tests positive for COVID-19 after returning from Indonesia CNA 10 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese man tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, nearly one week after returning home on the same flight as another Taiwanese national who was also confirmed with the disease, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said that day.
  • Taiwan tight-lipped on possible high-level U.S. official visit CNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's government declined to comment on a media report Thursday that a high-level United States official will visit the country next week.
  • Taiwan praises Vystrčil for standing up to China's 'bullying' CNA 10 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday lauded the political courage of Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil in the face of pressure from the Chinese government due to his recent visit to Taiwan.
  • Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan's ADIZ for second straight day CNA 10 Sep 2020 -- A number of Chinese warplanes were detected entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) early on Thursday, marking the second day in a row that Chinese forces have made similar intrusions, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
  • Experts warn of grave consequences if US official visits Taiwan Global Times 10 Sep 2020 -- Some secessionist Taiwan media are once again drowning in joy by hyping the possible visit of US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach to the island, which would be a dangerous provocation that further harms the cross-Straits ties and regional stability.
  • Somaliland opens representative office in Taipei CNA 09 Sep 2020 -- Somaliland, a self-declared East African state, formally opened its representative office in Taiwan on Wednesday, signifying closer bilateral relations.
  • Somaliland opens rep office in Taiwan, snubbing China, Somalia Press TV 09 Sep 2020 -- The breakaway East African territory of Somaliland has opened a representative office in Taiwan, snubbing both Somalia and China.
  • Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan's air defense identification zone CNA 09 Sep 2020 -- A number of Chinese military jets were spotted entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) early Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a press release.
  • PLA sorties in Taiwan Straits routine, not related to island missile test: experts Global Times 09 Sep 2020 -- Multiple fighter jets of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday approached the island of Taiwan, the island's defense authority said, as Taiwan media said the PLA mission is the most intense this year, and speculated that it was aimed at "disrupting" the island's air defense missile test launch.
  • Taiwan reclassifies Hong Kong, Vietnam COVID-19 risk CNA 09 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan on Wednesday added Hong Kong back to its list of regions from which business travelers can apply for shorter quarantine periods upon arrival in Taiwan, as well as reclassified Vietnam's risk of COVID-19.
  • Taiwanese tests positive for COVID-19 after returning from France CNA 08 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese national who works in France tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to Taiwan recently, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 495, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Tuesday.
  • Three indicted over graft in military speedboat deal CNA 08 Sep 2020 -- Two military officers and the owner of a local shipbuilding company were indicted on corruption charges by Taoyuan prosecutors Tuesday over an Army speedboat procurement deal in 2007.
  • Taiwanese man back from Nepal confirmed with COVID-19 CNA 07 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese man tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, four days after his return from Nepal, bringing the number of cases in Taiwan to 494, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said that day.
  • Taiwanese businessman has COVID-19 after leaving Philippines CNA 06 Sep 2020 -- A Taiwanese businessman who lives in the Philippines tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to Taiwan recently, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 493, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Sunday.
  • Taiwan to discuss strategic capability development with U.S. CNA 07 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan defense officials are scheduled to visit the United States next year to discuss closer cooperation in the development of strategic capabilities with the Pentagon, according to Taiwan's 2021 defense budget proposal.
  • KMT to stick to '1992 consensus:' party chairman CNA 06 Sep 2020 -- The Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, will continue to stick to its long-held stance of upholding the "1992 consensus" as the basis of its policy toward China, the party's chairman said on Sunday.
  • Breach of national sovereignty: China slams Czech visit to Taiwan Press TV 06 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Embassy in Prague has condemned this week's visit to Taiwan by a high-ranking Czech delegation as "a serious infringement on China's national sovereignty."
  • China, Czech Republic at Odds After Czech Officials Visit Taiwan VOA 05 Sep 2020 -- China is warning of retaliation in response to a visit to Taiwan by a Czech Senate delegation, saying Senate President Milos Vystrcil crossed a "red-line" and violated the one-China principle under which Beijing asserts sovereignty over the island.
  • Taiwan confirms two new imported COVID-19 cases CNA 05 Sep 2020 -- A Filipino migrant worker and a Taiwanese woman, both in their 30s, were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 492, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
  • U.S., Taiwan agree to promote alternatives to Chinese supply chain CNA 04 Sep 2020 -- The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) have agreed to work closer together to restructure the global supply chain and make it more resilient, in an apparent attempt to avoid overreliance on China, especially in the ICT and medical sectors.
  • European Attitudes Harden as Czech Visit to Taiwan Triggers Chinese Fury VOA 04 Sep 2020 -- A bitter dispute between China and the Czech Republic threatens to affect relations between Europe and Beijing.
  • Flurry of High-Level Foreign Visitors Boosts Taiwan's International Visibility VOA 04 Sep 2020 -- A flurry of high-level visits from foreign officials and legislators has pushed Taiwan's international visibility to a new peak, despite chronic opposition from China, analysts in Taipei say, and the boost has raised people's confidence that their normally isolated island is getting international respect.
  • China-made masks sold in rationing program can be exchanged (update) CNA 04 Sep 2020 -- Consumers who have purchased China-made masks through the government's surgical face mask rationing program can return them starting Friday, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
  • No masks made in China donated by Taiwan: CECC CNA 04 Sep 2020 -- None of the 3 million non-medical grade masks from China that made their way into Taiwan and were sold as government-rationed face masks were donated to other countries, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Friday.
  • One new imported COVID-19 case recorded in Taiwan CNA 04 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan recorded a new imported case of COVID-19 on Friday, raising the number of total cases in the country to 490 since the outbreak began late last year, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
  • Taiwan likely source of COVID-19 export cases People's Daily 03 Sep 2020 -- Two people had tested positive for the COVID-19 shortly after leaving Taiwan, the island's epidemic monitoring agency said on Wednesday.
  • Taiwan visit doesn't violate 'one China' policy: Czech Senate president CNA 03 Sep 2020 -- Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil on Thursday insisted he did not cross Beijing's "red line" with his visit to Taiwan and vowed that bilateral cooperation will continue.
  • Taiwan sees new imported COVID-19 case, reclassifies Myanmar risk CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan recorded a new imported case of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus on Wednesday, an Indonesian national, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan since the start of the pandemic to 489, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said that day.
  • Two test positive for COVID-19 in Vietnam, Japan after leaving Taiwan CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- A Vietnamese migrant worker and a Taiwanese national who recently left Taiwan for Vietnam and Japan, respectively, have tested positive for COVID-19, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced Wednesday.
  • New passport design that highlights 'Taiwan' released CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan's government has released a new design for the country's passport highlighting the English word for "Taiwan" in the hope of drawing a clearer distinction between Taiwan and China.
  • Reactions to passport redesign split along party lines CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- A new passport design announced by Taiwan's government on Wednesday to highlight the name "Taiwan" and minimize the country's official name, the Republic of China, drew mixed reactions that split along party lines.
  • Taiwan Introduces New Passport Cover to Draw Distinction From China VOA 02 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwan government released a new design Wednesday for its passport cover, and the island's popularly known name "Taiwan" is noticeably amplified in a bold font to avoid a connection to China, once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Taiwan to redesign passports to differentiate from mainland China Press TV 02 Sep 2020 -- Taiwan says it plans to redesign its passports to put greater emphasis on the island's name, amid an increasingly hostile posturing toward mainland China.
  • Taiwan Presents Changed Passport Cover to Avoid Confusion With Chinese One Sputnik 02 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwanese government on Wednesday presented a new design of its passport to ensure it reflects the difference between it and mainland China, the state-owned Central News Agency reported.
  • DPP secessionists 'deceive themselves' with new passport Global Times 02 Sep 2020 -- With growing tensions and the specter of a military conflict looming over the Taiwan Straits, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-dominated Taiwan island unveiled a new version of its passport, marked by further de-sinicization. Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan believe the DPP's "political smuggling" is pushing the island toward the brink of a military conflict.
  • Czech Senate speaker says visit aimed at connecting with Taiwan CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil said during a meeting with Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) on Wednesday that his current visit to Taiwan is aimed at connecting the two countries.
  • 'You crossed the line,' Chinese Foreign Minister warns Czech official's visit to Taiwan island Global Times 02 Sep 2020 -- Ignoring opposition of China and the Czech government, Czech Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil insisted on visiting the island of Taiwan, instigating secessionist forces, a blatant provocation that "crossed the line," Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
  • Taiwan-U.S. dialogue to be held by year-end: economics minister CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- The newly announced Economic and Commercial Dialogue between Taiwan and the United States will be held by the end of this year, Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua (王美花) said Wednesday.
  • China's military buildup eroding Taiwan's advantages: Pentagon CNA 02 Sep 2020 -- Beijing's military modernization has eroded Taiwan's potential advantages should a cross-Taiwan Strait conflict occur, even though Taiwan is taking steps to compensate for the growing disparities, the Pentagon said in a report Tuesday.
  • Taiwan military's 'overreaction' to report shows it's 'guilty': Beijing think tank Global Times 02 Sep 2020 -- The island of Taiwan on Wednesday said a Beijing think tank report on Sunday which claims a US military aircraft may have taken off from a Taiwan-based airfield and flew to Japan was fake news. This is the third time that the Taiwan military authority has responded to the report by the think tank, which recently gained prominence for closely tracking US military activities in the Taiwan Straits.
  • Japan to reopen borders to Taiwanese business travelers next week CNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Japan will soon reopen its borders to Taiwanese business travelers, provided that a set of coronavirus prevention measures are followed, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
  • U.S. to launch new annual economic dialogue with Taiwan CNA 01 Sep 2020 -- The United States announced Monday that it will hold a new annual senior-level economic dialogue with Taiwan to strengthen bilateral economic ties, after Taiwan pledged last week it would open its market to previously banned categories of American pork and beef.
  • US can 'assure Taiwan nothing' Global Times 01 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned the US not to go any further on a "wrong and dangerous path" on Tuesday, after the US declassified its detailed documents showing illegal assurances that were made by Washington to the island of Taiwan in 1982 and posted them on the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) website on Monday.
  • US steps up support for Taiwan in defiance of China Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- The United States has stepped up its support for Taiwan in defiance of China, which views the self-ruled island as part of its territory.
  • Springer Nature Journal Rejects Article by Taiwan Doctor Over Country Name Radio Free Asia 01 Sep 2020 -- Top academic publisher Springer Nature has once more sparked concerns over its censorship of topics regarded as politically sensitive by Beijing.
  • US Adjusts Taiwan Policy, Declassifies Cables VOA 01 Sep 2020 -- The United States is adjusting its Taiwan policy and declassifying cables on Taiwan arms sales as China ramps up pressures on Taipei.
  • Czech Senate president invokes Kennedy, says he's 'a Taiwanese' CNA 01 Sep 2020 -- Visiting Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil praised Taiwan's democracy and freedom in a speech at the Legislature on Tuesday and invoked John F. Kennedy's "I am a Berliner" speech by calling himself "a Taiwanese."
  • Czech Republic Pushes Back on China Over Senate Visit to Taiwan VOA 01 Sep 2020 -- Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček Monday pushed back on his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi's assault over the Czech Senate delegation's visit to Taipei – signs, observers say, that suggest the tide is turning against China in Europe.
  • Czech Senate Leader Declares 'I Am a Taiwanese' in Speech to Self-Ruled Island's Parliament VOA 01 Sep 2020 -- The head of the Czech Republic's Senate has openly offered support for an independent and democratic Taiwan during a visit to the self-ruled island, triggering an angry backlash from China, which was already furious about his visit.



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